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Massachusetts Small Business Law

How Can a Lawyer Help Your Small Business?

If you are like most business owners we work with, you may be too busy doing what you do to stop and think about what protection and legal advice you might need to prevent problems in the future.  And even if you do have time to think about it, you may not know what questions to ask.  Below are some of the things most of our business clients ask us for help with.

How to Start a Business

It is never too soon to start protecting yourself from the risks of a new business.  If you are doing business as a sole proprietorship, without a formal entity, your personal assets may be at risk for the liabilities of your business. We can help you create the right structure for your that protects your family's assets from your business risks.

Practical Help From Contract Lawyers

If you do not have solid contracts in place in your business, you may find yourself in litigation if something goes wrong.  This can include contracts with your vendors and clients/customers, agreements with other businesses and, if you choose to use them, employment contracts.  We create clear and understandable contracts to make sure your interests are protected.

Legal Advice on Using Independent Contractors

Many people want to use independent contractors instead of W-2 employees when first starting out in their business.  This can be tempting, as there are cost-savings involved, and you may feel like you are not ready to make a full commitment to employees.  However, Massachusetts law strictly limits who can be considered a contractor.  The cost of getting it wrong can be much higher than putting some people on payroll.  We can help make sure you get this right.

Need Help With a Small Business Law Issue?

Call (781) 784-2322
OR
Schedule a Free Information Call

Just Looking for Information?

Small Business Law FAQs
Read Our Business Law FAQs

Getting Employment Policies Right

The last thing you need is an expensive employee lawsuit.  There are many laws in Massachusetts that protect employees, laws which keep changing each year.  It is easy to make a mistake, or overlook a new requirement that you are unaware of.  It is equally easy to get legal advice ahead of time, to avoid these mistakes and resulting litigation. We help steer you away from those traps before they become a problem.

Handling Employee Discipline and Termination

If you have to let someone go, an ounce of prevention is worth at least a pound of cure.  Though Massachusetts is an employment "at-will" state, the list of protected classes and protected activities under discrimination and retaliation laws covers more people than you might think.  We provide a roadmap for the termination process that steers you away from common legal mistakes and manages any risk you may have.

How We Can Help

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Small business attorneys in Massachusetts
Whether it is defending, resolving, or preventing a lawsuit, we are here to help.  You can click the button below to schedule a free information call, or call us at (781) 784-2322.
Schedule a Free Information Call
Schedule a Free Information Call

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​Sharon MA 02067

(781) 784-2322
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  • Home
  • Employment Law
    • Guide To Employment Law Content
    • Advice for Employers >
      • Hiring Independent Contractors in Massachusetts
      • Termination Best Practices
      • Workplace Discrimination Employer Guide
      • Employee Handbook >
        • Employee Handbook Basics
      • Paid Family Leave and Your Small Business
      • Overtime Law for Employers
      • Employee Complaints About Pay
      • Employee Non Competes
    • Advice for Employees >
      • Employment Case Assessment
      • Discrimination in the Workplace
      • Sexual Harassment at Work >
        • Sexual Harassment Resources
        • Sexual Harassment in a Small Business
        • Constructive Discharge
        • Sexual Harassment and Non Disclosure Agreements
        • Sexual Harassment and Remote Work
        • Sexual Harassment Case Studies
      • Massachusetts Paid Family Leave
      • Non Compete Agreements >
        • Are non competes enforceable
        • Massachusetts Non Compete Act
        • Pre 2018 Massachusetts Non Competes
        • Non Compete Case Studies
        • Can I Avoid My Non Compete
      • Independent Contractor Law >
        • Independent Contractor Test
        • Working As Independent Contractor
        • Independent Contractor Case Studies
        • Independent Contractor Roadmap
      • Wage and Hour Laws >
        • Massachusetts Minimum Wage
        • Overtime Law >
          • Overtime Exemptions
          • Employee Travel Time
          • Federal or State Overtime Law
        • Overtime Law Case Studies
        • Massachusetts Wage Act >
          • Payment of Commissions
          • Wage Deductions
          • Late Payment of Wages
          • Paid Time Off
        • Wage Act Case Studies
        • What Are Your Wage and Hour Rights
      • Employment Contracts in Massachusetts >
        • Restrictive Covenants
        • Promissory Estoppel
      • Employment Termination >
        • Severance Pay
        • Should I Accept a Severance?
    • Unemployment in Massachusetts >
      • Unemployment Overpayment
      • Pandemic Unemployment
      • Unemployment Case Studies
  • Estate Planning
    • Guide To Estate Planning Content
    • Legacy Protection >
      • Why You Need an Estate Plan >
        • Why You Don't Have an Estate Plan
      • Massachusetts Estate Tax
      • Asset Protection Trusts
      • Children with Special Needs
    • Planning for Assisted Living
    • Is Your Will Enough >
      • Special Circumstances >
        • Estate Planning for Blended Families
        • Estate Planning for a Non Citizen Spouse
        • Estate Planning and Divorce
        • Estate Planning for Small Business Owners
      • Surviving Spouse's Share
      • Disinheriting Children Massachusetts
      • Updating Your Estate Plan
    • Estate Planning Documents >
      • What is a Trust >
        • Revocable trust
        • Irrevocable trust
        • Irrevocable vs revocable trust
      • Last Will and Testament
      • Durable Power of Attorney
      • Massachusetts Health Care Proxy
      • Life Estates in Massachusetts
      • Massachusetts Pet Trust
    • Probate Process >
      • Non Probate Assets
  • Business Law
    • Guide To Business Law Content
    • Small Business Law
    • Business Contract Basics
    • Civil Suit Defense
    • Legal Issues for Start Ups
    • Trademark Basics
    • How to Incorporate
    • Sale of Business
  • About
    • Reviews
    • Slnlaw Offices
    • slnlaw core values
    • Publications and Interviews
    • New Client Intake and Consultation
    • Contact
  • Attorneys
    • Emily Smith-Lee >
      • 2018 Lawyer of the Year
    • Rebecca Rogers
    • Sharleen Tinnin
    • Elijah Bresley
  • Legal FAQs
    • Estate Planning FAQs
    • Probate FAQs
    • Small Business FAQs
    • Wage Act FAQs
    • Commission Pay FAQs
    • Overtime FAQs
    • Independent Contractor FAQs
    • Non Compete FAQs
    • Employment Discrimination FAQs
    • Employment Termination FAQs
    • Massachusettts Unemployment FAQs
    • Severance Package FAQs
    • Medical Leave FAQs
    • Sexual Harassment FAQs
    • Employer FAQs
    • Civil Lawsuit FAQs
  • Blog